A California man who admitted tormenting the family of NBC “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie during one of the most painful moments of their lives is now awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty in federal court.
Derrick Callella, 42, of Hawthorne, California, pleaded guilty Thursday to two counts of harassment using a telecommunications device for sending fraudulent communications tied to the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie.
According to federal prosecutors, Callella contacted members of the Guthrie family on February 4, 2026, just days after Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Tucson-area home. Authorities say he obtained the phone numbers of Annie Guthrie and Tommaso Cioni and proceeded to call and text them while referencing an earlier ransom demand.
One message stated, “Did you get the bitcoin were waiting on our end for the transaction.”
Prosecutors said Callella knew previous ransom communications had already been made and intentionally inserted himself into the situation. His goal, according to investigators, was to harass the family and potentially gather information about the ongoing investigation.
The case has drawn widespread outrage because it involved a family desperately searching for answers about a missing loved one. Rather than helping, Callella exploited the uncertainty and fear surrounding the disappearance for his own purposes.
Federal authorities emphasized that multiple ransom-related communications connected to the case have now been determined to be fraudulent. Investigators believe several individuals attempted to take advantage of the family’s anguish by sending fake messages claiming knowledge of Nancy Guthrie’s whereabouts or demanding money.
Reuters reported this week that the FBI has concluded all three kidnapping-related communications that received public attention were fake. According to law enforcement sources, none of the ransom notes are believed to have originated from actual kidnappers.
That revelation has raised additional questions about the circumstances surrounding Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
Nancy Guthrie has been missing since January 31, 2026. Investigators reportedly discovered blood at her residence, and surveillance footage allegedly captured a masked individual near the home shortly before she vanished. Despite months of investigation and extensive media coverage, authorities have not located her, and no arrests have been announced in connection with her disappearance.
Meanwhile, Callella faces up to two years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced on September 10 before U.S. District Judge John C. Hinderaker.
As for what sentence would be appropriate, many observers are likely to argue that a substantial prison term is warranted. While Callella was not accused of causing Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, he knowingly preyed upon a family experiencing unimaginable fear and uncertainty. Cases involving fake ransom demands and interference with active investigations can consume law enforcement resources and inflict additional emotional trauma on victims.
Ultimately, the judge will weigh federal sentencing guidelines, Callella’s criminal history, and other factors before deciding his punishment. For the Guthrie family, however, the most important question remains unanswered: what happened to Nancy Guthrie?
Leave a Comment